Voluntary redundancy is when an employer offers employees the option to leave the company in exchange for a redundancy payment, rather than being made redundant involuntarily. This typically occurs as part of a redundancy programme where the employer seeks to reduce the workforce but prefers to avoid forced layoffs. Employees who volunteer for redundancy are usually offered a package that may include financial compensation, and sometimes additional benefits, to encourage them to leave.

It is important to note that, although employees can volunteer, the employer is not obligated to accept all voluntary redundancy requests, especially if doing so would leave the business understaffed or if the employee is valued. For guidance on this matter, get in touch with us at esphr.